Have you ever been baffled by how some people who seem awful at their jobs still manage to get them, or even get promoted quickly? You’re not alone; it’s a common frustration. Ready to dive deeper? I’ve identified three types of people who excel at maneuvering their way up the career ladder, all of whom I’ve encountered repeatedly in various organizations since 1999.
Life isn’t always fair, and while some just have better luck, others are masters at playing the game. For example, I pushed my career to its limits early on, becoming a VP at 27 and an Executive Director by 31, thanks to a mix of hard work, luck, and strategic maneuvering. However, after failing to advance further, I left to start my own company.
I’ve shared career advice before, but now I’m focusing on tactics for landing a job, raise, or promotion you might not strictly deserve. If you feel unqualified, you might fit into one of these three categories:
The Chameleon Ass Kisser (CAK)
If you ever disagree with your boss or your boss’s boss, never show it. As a CAK, your role is to always agree enthusiastically with them, even if you foresee disaster. Support their decisions publicly, even if you’re silently predicting failure. This could secure you a promotion or a raise before any problems emerge, allowing you to move on to another company with your new title and a better salary. However, beware of becoming too two-faced, as colleagues might resent this and sabotage your progress.
The Attractive Manipulating Predator (AMP)
AMPs use their attractiveness to influence decisions in their favor, manipulating others’ weaknesses to climb the corporate ladder. This tactic isn’t limited by gender—men are just as susceptible to using their looks for advancement. The challenge for AMPs is sustainability; without real substance behind their style, their success is often short-lived.
The Pedigree Pushing Pimp (Triple P)
Triple Ps rely on their prestigious educational or company backgrounds to impress and sway hiring decisions. They often boast about their past achievements but may struggle to adapt to innovative or less structured environments. They’re typically seen as having more style than substance and may falter in roles that require genuine innovation or entrepreneurial spirit.
These strategies might help you get ahead, but they come with their own set of risks and ethical dilemmas. It’s important to recognize these dynamics in the workplace, not necessarily to emulate them, but perhaps to understand how to navigate your own career more effectively. Remember, it’s not just what you know or who you know, but how you manage your own narrative in the corporate world.
If you’re considering leaving a job you’re unhappy with, try negotiating a severance package. This could provide financial benefits like a severance check, subsidized healthcare, and more, unlike simply quitting.
